Today’s Mont Ventoux stage really shook up the over all standings, Levi Leipheimer looked impressive as he rode up the mountain at his own pace. Levi did not really attack rather he simply rode at a steady rate with three other riders including today’s stage winner Denis Menchov.
The attacks started early at the base of one of France most notorious climbs as Thomas Vockler tried to regain the glory he experience in the 2004 Tour de France when he wore yellow for over a week. However Vockler was unable to stay with T-Mobile rider Oscar Sevilla who attacked about one or two kilometers later as he rode past the French rider.
Next up with the Spanish billy goat from the Discovery Channel who made his bid, Jose Azevedo’s attack stuck and he rode up the mountain gaining time on the main peloton. However he was unable to stay ahead of the group containing Levi Leipheimer and race winner Denis Menchov who caught the Azevedo with about 5 kilometers from the summit.
Many thought today’s race might go to Floyd Landis, however Floyd did not look to good today and came in several minutes behind the leading group of 4. Possibly he peaked to early or has not hit his planned “second peak of the season”. With the pro cycling season lasting so long it is hard for professional to stay at their peak performance for more than 4 or 5 weeks. Floyd looked incredibly strong early on winning both Paris Nice and the Tour of California, only time will tell if today was simply an off day for Floyd or if he did indeed peak too early for “the big race”.
In the coming days the German squad of Levi Leipheimer will have much work to do as they try to defend the yellow jersey.
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